How to Get Into West Point in 2025: Steps to Admission

West Point has a long-standing reputation for being one of the most competitive and renowned service academies in the United States. West Point is known for creating strong, capable cadets passionate about serving the country, and if you’re up for the challenge, you, too, can be a part of the journey.

Today’s article serves as your personal guide to understanding what it takes to get into West Point. According to reports, its acceptance rate is 12% out of thousands of applicants, making admission seem next to impossible.

While the path to admission is challenging, the benefits are undeniable. West Point cadets receive a top-tier education with no tuition costs, leadership training, and career opportunities as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army.

At Bold.org, we help students navigate scholarships, financial aid, and college applications—so we understand what it takes to stand out. In this guide, I'll walk you through each step of the West Point admissions process, from securing a congressional nomination to completing the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) and submitting a strong application.

If you're committed to the challenge, I'll help you prepare a competitive application and increase your chances of success. Let’s get started—your journey to West Point begins now.

Find hundreds of scholarships to apply to by creating your Bold profile. Get started today! 

Overview of West Point's Admissions Requirements

Before applying to the United States Military Academy, it’s important to know the basic requirements for admission. I will go more in-depth later in the article, but here is a general breakdown:

• U.S. Citizenship - West Point is a U.S. military institution. Therefore, applicants must be U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens are not eligible for admission.
• Age Requirements - Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 22 on July 1st of the year they seek admission. This means you must be 17 years old by July 1st of the year you apply and 22 by that same date.
• Marital Status – Applicants cannot be married.
• Dependency Status – Applicants cannot have dependents or legal obligations to support a child.

While these aspects make up most of the requirements, it’s important to keep in mind that leadership potential and character are as equally important.

The Candidate Questionnaire

Before starting your application, the candidate questionnaire is the preliminary first step for future West Point cadets. This questionnaire helps the admissions board determine whether you meet the basic qualifications for eligibility.

Applicants can expect to provide personal and high school information (i.e., name, address, date of birth, etc.), as well as congressional district and standardized test scores on the questionnaire.

What the United States Military Academy Offers You

Attending West Point is an incredible achievement on its own. But it's worth noting that becoming a West Point graduate offers more perks than just prestige:

1. Free tuition: West Point allows accepted cadets to receive an education free of charge. There's no tuition cost for attending West Point, meaning you'll graduate completely debt-free if you're accepted.
2. Leadership training programs: Beyond an academic education, West Point emphasizes personal and social development. For example, prospective students can apply for immersive programs, attend the Summer Leaders' Experience, and receive mentorship from experienced students.
3. Networking and mentorship: The United States Military Academy cares about your personal development. Officers and older students at West Point are there to help guide you on your journey and make sure you make the most of your training. Their support will continue after you graduate, helping you find career placements that are right for you.

The History of West Point

It's important to understand the core values and the minds at work behind West Point to develop a successful application.

Founded in 1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York state is one of the most prestigious and challenging institutions in the world. West Point has produced many distinguished leaders, including presidents like Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ulysses S. Grant, generals like Robert E. Lee, and even American poet Edgar Allen Poe.

The academy holds a strong historical importance as its location on the Hudson River made it a key point of defense for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Throughout its history, West Point has been recognized not only for its alumni but also as the oldest and continuously occupied Army post in the United States.

Admission to this esteemed academy is a highly competitive process, and those who wish to enter West Point are selected not only for their academic and physical abilities but also for their leadership skills and commitment to serving the nation.

Understanding the West Point Mission

The United States Military Academy's mission is to educate, train, and inspire cadets to reach their greatest potential as future leaders. The academy’s values include duty, honor, country, and a commitment to professional excellence. As the academy seeks to develop more leaders, it aims for applicants who show character and are dedicated to honoring the U.S.

7 Steps to Admission

The West Point application process is as rigorous as the academy itself, that is it needs time, focus, and commitment from each applicant. I have broken down the admissions process into 7 steps that can keep you on track and prepared for a successful submission:

1.  Meet the Basic Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• 17 – 22 years old (on July 1st of the year of admission)
• Single/Unmarried
• No guardianship or legal obligation to support children

2. Take the SAT or ACT

Though there is a physical aptitude test applicants take, the SAT/ACT makes 40% of the overall application score and is weighted strongest when considering the application. However, Math and Science are weighted higher than English and Reading. Official scores are due by January 31st of your senior year of high school. Applicants should aim for an ACT score of 28-33 or an SAT score between 1200 and 1430.

Note: You don’t need your scores before submitting your application. You can update them until the January 31st deadline.

Need some ACT tutoring? Improve your scores and your chances of getting into West Point with some extra help.

3. Submit Your Application

Gather the following for submission:

• Personal information (i.e., name, address, etc.)
• Schools attended
• Your Congressional District
• List of extracurricular activities
• GPA stats (the average GPA for West Point is 3.9 on a 4.0 scale)

Calculate your GPA with this helpful guide to see if you're within the range West Point requires.

4. Get a Nomination

A nomination is a formal recommendation from a U.S. Representative, Senator, Vice President, or President for admissions into West Point. Applicants must seek a nomination from an authorized nominating authority:

• U.S. Representative
• Senator
• Vice President (extremely competitive)
• President (elite)

Find your Congressional Representative or Senator first. However, remember that each nominating authority has its own processes and deadlines to adhere to.

5. Complete the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)

As part of the application process, applicants will be required to take the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which is a test that evaluates their physical fitness in various exercises. The CFA exercises include:

• Basketball throw (timed)
• Pull-ups (timed)
• Shuttle runs (30-second sprints)
• Sit-ups (timed)
• One-mile run (timed)

The CFA can be administered by:

• A physical education teacher
• Regional field force representative
• A Military Academy Liaison Officer
• A U.S. Military Officer (active duty)
• A Non-Commissioned officer from any service branch
• A J/ROTC instructor

6. Pass the Medical Exam

Applicants must be medically qualified by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) to be offered admission to West Point. The medical exam is offered to you at no extra cost. Once the admissions board reviews your application, you will be notified to schedule an exam.

7. Complete Checklist

As a competitive applicant, you must complete the application checklist. This checklist includes:

• Official SAT or ACT scores
• Official school transcripts
• West Point application essays
• Proficient CFA scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Recent records of your extracurricular activities

Your file is complete and ready for submission once West Point receives your application, medical exam, nomination, and completed checklist. The checklist must be completed by January 31st of your senior year of high school.

Application Timeline

As always, it’s important to keep track of important deadlines and dates regarding your application. Here is how the admission timeline works:

Junior Year of HS

• February 15th – West Point applications open
• Spring Semester – Begin training for the CFA
• Spring Semester – Start working on your candidate checklist
• Spring Semester – Check nomination deadlines (i.e., congressman or senator)

Senior Year of HS

• Fall – Apply for nominations
• Fall – Take the CFA
• January 31st – Candidate checklist deadline
• July 1st – April 1st – Complete medical exam

West Point is extremely competitive; knowing these deadlines will allow you to get a head start on your application and stay ahead of the game.

While West Point offers free tuition to those accepted, you can still apply for scholarships to support you as you train and craft your application. Check out all our available scholarships and apply today!

How to Maximize Your Chances of Getting into West Point

Being able to call yourself a West Point graduate is a great accomplishment. Though very selective and competitive, with the proper guidance and ample preparation, you, too, have a shot at being admitted.

Here are some ways you can maximize your chances of getting into West Point:

1. Academic Focus

West Point values academic excellence and looks for that in applicants. Challenge yourself by taking honors and APR courses in high school, maintaining a high GPA, and studying hard to achieve competitive standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). Not only can these things show your capabilities, but they can also determine class rank and separate you from the rest.

2. Extracurricular Activities

West Point candidates should always aim to have strong extracurriculars under their belts that showcase strong leadership positions. Seek opportunities in school or social clubs, sports, or other activities that aim to show strong teamwork skills and strength.

3. Fitness Journey

West Point requires its students to be in great physical shape. They provide a school official evaluation of fitness capabilities, so training for the physical fitness test should begin early. You can do this by yourself or with coaches/supporters who will hold you accountable and push you to your limit. Remember: discipline and consistency are key!

4. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants should seek letters of recommendation from those who can attest to their character and work ethic (i.e., teachers, coaches, mentors, etc.).

5. Congressional Nomination

To apply to West Point, you will need a nomination from a U.S. Representative or Senator, in some rare cases, the Vice President or President himself. Keep in mind that each representative has different requirements, so research the nomination process early and be mindful of their practices and deadlines.

6. Attend the Summer Leaders Experience (SLE)

If possible, apply for West Point's Summer Leaders Experience, a one-week summer program available for high school juniors. Though attending SLE is not required, getting involved can offer insight into life at West Point and help you build a stronger application.

 7. Write a Strong Personal Statement

Use the required essays and/or personal statements to discuss your goals for attending West Point and serving as an officer in the military after graduation. Be genuine, share your story and what makes you an exceptional candidate.

8. Seek Assistance

When needed, don’t hesitate to seek help or guidance. Connect with current or former West Point cadets, teachers, or mentors who can offer some advice throughout the application process. You can also attend webinars or informational sessions to better understand West Point and its expectations.

West Point’s mission is to bring the best out of its students, which is why excellence begins with you. By taking these steps, you can create a solid application that will increase your chances of securing a spot at West Point. Show initiative and start now!

Good luck, cadets!

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Into West Point

Is it hard to get into West Point?

Yes. West Point is one of the world's most prestigious and competitive service academies, admitting only 12% of applicants a year. If you plan on applying, make sure you know what is required so you know what to expect throughout the application process. West Point is an elite school, so they also hold their students to those standards.

What does West Point look for in applicants?

West Point looks for applicants with a strong academic profile. This includes a high GPA (preferably 3.9 or higher), high SAT or ACT scores, and exceptional physical aptitude. Applicants should aim for an ACT score of 28-33 or an SAT score between 1200 and 1430. They also consider leadership experience, academic aptitude, and other unique attributes. 

Do you get paid while attending West Point?

Yes, the United States Military Academy does not charge tuition for students. If you can get into West Point, you'll receive a free education. In addition, the military academy provides students with a small monthly salary, leaving them with some money to spend after other expenses are taken care of.

Here at Bold.org, we strive to help students stay up to date on the latest information regarding student finances and other tips. Visit our scholarship blog today and learn how to finance your education!